Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson connects for third spring HR

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/24/15) Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson homered for the third time this spring and second time in three games Tuesday against the Twins. He hit a solo home run off Ricky Nolasco in the fifth inning.

Donaldson has homered off Nolasco, David Buchanan and Seth Rosin this spring. He is batting .364 (12 for 33) with six RBI in 13 spring games.

Donaldson, heading into his first season in Toronto, was seeking $5.75 million while the Blue Jays were offering $4.3 million. Donaldson hit .255 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI in 2014 for the Athletics.

Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays likely heading for arbitration

by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

(1/16/15) Third baseman Josh Donaldson and the Blue Jays are likely headed for arbitration after failing to agree on a deal before the deadline Friday. Donaldson reportedly submitted a $5.75 million request, while the Blue Jays submitted a $4.3 million request, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Donaldson was traded to Toronto in Novemeber for Brett Lawrie and Kendall Graveman. He hit .255 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI in 2014.

Pitcher Sean Nolin and shortstop Franklin Barreto are also heading to Oakland, according to Yahoo! The 28-year-old Donaldson is entering his first year of arbitration. He's under team control until 2019. Lawrie is also entering his first year of arbitration, but will become a free-agent in 2018. Lawrie is entering his age-25 season. Graveman sky-rocketed through Toronto's farm system last year, jumping multiple levels. The 23-year-old posted a 1.83 ERA in 27 starts over four levels. He made his major-league debut as well, coming out of the bullpen five times at the end of the year.

The 24-year-old Nolin posted a 3.43 ERA over three levels in the minors last season. He tossed one inning in the majors last season, giving up one run. The 18-year-old Barreto hit .311/.384/.481 over 328 at-bats in Class A ball.

2014 summary:Josh Donaldson was a surprise entry among the top-ranking third basemen in Fantasy in 2013, and he turned in an even better performance in his follow-up season. Donaldson smacked 29 home runs, drove in 98 runs and scored 93 times -- all improvements on his previous season's numbers. Only his .255 batting average stood as a sign of regression, as Donaldson struck out more often and hit fewer line drives. It all added up to a No. 3 ranking among third basemen in standard points leagues and a No. 4 ranking in Rotisserie leagues. Donaldson was part of the Athletics' "fall cleaning," as he was dealt to the Blue Jays in a five-player deal.

Playing time status: Donaldson will be the Blue Jays' regular third baseman, and with a record of durability over the last two seasons, he has a chance to rack up his second straight 600 at-bat season.

2015 outlook: Moving from one of the American League's worst home run parks to one of the best, Donaldson's already lofty Fantasy value should get a boost. He is now arguably the most valuable third baseman in Fantasy (with the possible exception of Anthony Rendon) and in standard mixed leagues, he should be drafted early in the second round at the latest.
(Updated 12/11/14)